Tuesday, September 29, 2009


There's an empty bed in the NICU...we're "ROOMING IN!!!" We got to spend the night with Ethan in a private room at Children's Hospital last night. His doctor wants us to be with him 24 hours a day for a while...taking care of him on our own...as he is still being monitored closely to make sure he's gaining weight. Ethan is off of all his stat monitors, so we are flying blind for the first time. This has been somewhat hard to adjust to since, up until now, we've watched monitors that tell his every breath and heartbeat. Ethan is very laid back...just like his daddy. He rarely makes a PEEP. It is so very wonderful just to simply be able to hold and love on him, free of wires and tubes, look him over and marvel at God's perfect creation. Today, we'll give him his first sponge bath!! We are all doing GREAT and pray this means home is not far away!!

20 comments:

  1. WOW!! God is SO GOOD! Ethan is so special to everyone, Bonnie and Kerry! What a blessing to know that your son has already drawn people closer to the Lord. We are praying for you while you room in...I am sure your mind is overtaken with caring for him! We love you and cannot WAIT to hear that baby boy is HOME!
    Patrick and Heather Spence

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  2. i was listening to 94.3 and heard a song that reminded me of you and Kerry have been so strong and trusted God to see you through all you have been through.Words can not say how much your strenth has help people from all over .you have really showed me how i need to have that kind of faith no matter what is going on in my life .
    Thank You

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  3. How awesome!! I am so happy for you! Praise God for answering our prayers!! Hopefully you'll be on the road to Dothan in no time!! I will continue to keep you in my prayers! Thank you for sharing your testimony with us--I agree with the commenter above...you have been such a testimony of faith and it reminds me daily of how I need to rely fully on God.
    Becky Smith

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  4. What am amazing feeling that is to hold them free of wires and monitors for the 1st time and to know that God is watching over them. I too remember how scary it was all at the same time. You've relied on those monitors to tell you EVERYTHING and now it's up to you. Believe me you'll know exactly what he needs! I hope and pray you are packing up to take that sweet little boy home soon!
    Ryan McFerrin

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  5. This is great news Bonnie and Kerry. I pray that you will be so comfortable taking care of baby Ethan....as you both are such great parents already:) We wait with great anticipation to hear the news that you are on your way home with Ethan Howell Williamson!

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  6. Praise the Lord! He is a doll baby!
    We are so proud for you!
    We serve an awesome God.
    Patti and Steve

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  7. Thank God there is an empty bed in NICU, he is a beautiful baby boy. I have went through sickness is my life also and always loved Matthew 15:28 and Mark 5:34, they were my fighting words. God is still in the healing business.

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  8. I am so excited for you. I am also at a loss for words to express how loving and merciful our Lord Jesus is. I have personally been challenged and encouraged to watch the testimony that He has already made through your precious baby boy. Also,Little "Thurston" is a mighty handsome young man!
    Elizabeth H.

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  9. Congratulations and we will continue to pray for you all that God will continuing his healing. Thank you for sharing your journey with us and you are a testimony of faith.

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  10. This is such wonderful news!!! We are so happy to hear that you are getting to stay with him all the time now. I know that ya'll will do just fine with him!! GOD IS GOOD and we are so very thankful for this answered prayer. It won't be long before you are home with him!!!
    We love you and are still praying for you!!!

    Chris and Heather

    Chris and Heather

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  11. Words can't even express how excited, thrilled, and joyful we feel that Ethan is doing so great and in his own little room! I am confident that you will be up to the challenge of taking care of Ethan. You both are already wonderful parents to Helen.
    When I first saw the picture of his empty bed in the NICU, I was reminded of the empty tomb. Just like Jesus' followers faith grew through the empty tomb, our faith has grown as God has left an empty bed in the NICU and is working in Ethan's life already. He is such a special little boy and we give God all the glory for how well he is doing!
    Clay and Michelle

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  12. THAT'S GREAT NEWS. STILL PRAYING FOR YOU ALL. TAKE CARE.
    HEATHER

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  13. i see home in your very near future! and that is awesome!!

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  14. I am so excited for all of you! Hopefully, this means that going home is not far off! I know you are both super relieved but also hesitantly happy. I hope that precious baby continues to get stronger every day!

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  15. What a beautiful sight, that empty bed! We are so excited for you guys! My heart sings for you!! I know it is so exciting to be off all the monitors, but a little unnerving at the same time. Rooming in will help you get more comfortable with all of that. In a couple of days, you'll be feeling much more confindent without a monitor.
    From a mommy who has had two empty beds in the NICU, I know the bitter and the sweet...there is nothing like it. We were so broken when Hank's bed was empty, but so thankful that he no longer suffered and that he was home with his Father, healthy and whole. And we were so happy when Harris' bed was empty and we brought our tiny little miracle home. God has a purpose for each of our lives. Harris and Ethan must have really big things to do! I think they have touched many lives already and will continue to do so. I can't tell you how many situations I have been in, in my everyday life, where I have gotten to share our story with someone I didn't even know. So even after this hospital stay is a distant memory, God will still use you and Bonnie and Ethan to share his miracle of love and life!
    We love you guys and are so happy home is right around the corner!!
    Love,
    Jack & Kelly

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  16. Congrats on rooming in with your little man. As the mom of an NICU baby I know how magical those moments are! I pray you are all able to take Ethan home soon.

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  17. What a great site to see the empty bed! Praise the Lord!!! We will continue to pray for you two to have the peace you will need to care for your son! God will give you just what you need!!! WE love you! Thanks for sharing your walk with so many, man how God has used you through this for my family & friends!! Love you, STBroadaway

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  18. Praise God! This is really great news. We love yall and still praying for the family. We serve an Awesome prayer answering God!

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  19. It is such wonderful news to hear that Ethan is doing so fantastic! I'm so happy for all of you! I look forward to reading your updates daily and I'm continuing to pray and I just know you will all be home soon!
    Happy belated birthday Bonnie!!

    Sincerely,
    Heather (Utterback) Dykes

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  20. Absolutely wonderful news. Enjoy rooming in and we continue to pray for your family!

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